[This blog post was written by my good friend Brandon Habermeyer, a BYU graduate in philosophy and film studies. It has also been cross-posted at the FairMormon blog.] I remember hearing a quote in my institute class from the late Hugh Nibley, who is reported to have said something along the lines of, “In order … Read more
Brian Hales (right) and Don Bradley (left) at Pioneer Bookstore in Provo, Utah discussing their research on Joseph Smith’s polygamy (March 2013). Last week I criticized Jeremy Runnells, who has no academic qualifications in Mormon history, for hypocritically accusing Brian Hales of being an “amateur” when it comes to research on Joseph Smith’s polygamy. In response … Read more
“One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith–––History 1:17) Joseph Smith’s First Vision has attracted considerable criticism over the years. For anyone who may have encountered criticisms of the First Vision and are looking for some good resources responding … Read more
Pictured: Brian C. Hales, a rank amateur who doesn’t know the first thing about Joseph Smith’s plural marriage. Jeremy Runnells, author of the popular anti-Mormon tract “Letter to a CES Director,” is upset. He’s upset that Brian Hales, one of the foremost authorities on Joseph Smith’s plural marriage, would dare challenge him and his accusations … Read more
One aspect of the new Gospel Topics essay on the Book of Abraham that has made many excited is this. Joseph’s study of the papyri may have led to a revelation about key events and teachings in the life of Abraham, much as he had earlier received a revelation about the life of Moses while … Read more
The first five verses of Genesis 1 in Hebrew. David Carr has some interesting things to say about the account of the creation in Genesis 1. His comments have significant overlap with Mormon cosmology, especially as it is found in the Book of Abraham. The first verse of Gen 1 is usually translated “in the … Read more
My roommate made me this picture. Click to enlarge For info on the humor behind this joke, see the following links here, here, and here.
A depiction of the prophet Jeremiah by Michelangelo on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The prophet Jeremiah did not have an easy job. Besides being called to preach an unpopular message to a stubborn and wicked people, he was also confronted by plots to end his life, stonewalling and obfuscating Judahite magistrates, and false prophets who … Read more
On June 16, 2014, John Dehlin went on Doug Fabrizio’s program Radio West and was interviewed about his impending Church disciplinary action. In the course of his interview, Dehlin was asked by Fabrizio about a possible “power vacuum” in Church leadership. Dehlin then made the following statement (around the 20 minute mark). Yeah, I’m cousins … Read more
As reported by the Ordain Women website. Over on his Facebook page, John Dehlin is begging, “Someone send me a banner/image that I erect on FB to express my mourning for, and solidarity with Kate Kelly.” How’s this for a banner/image, John? John Dehlin, ladies and gentlemen; promoting gender sensitivity and awareness since 2005. Then … Read more
Did you know that Brian C. Hales has a blog? It’s called Joseph Smith’s Polygamy, and covers . . . wait for it . . . Joseph Smith’s practice of plural marriage. He also has a blog that you can read here. On his blog he has a new post about an encounter he recently had … Read more
Abraham’s Departure (1849) by József Molnár. James L. Kugel has some interesting comments on the account of Abraham’s call and journey as recorded in the Book of Genesis. In his volume How to Read the Bible, Kugel explores how ancient and modern interpreters of the Abraham narrative(s) in Genesis portray the patriarch’s relationship with God. … Read more
[Written by a friend of mine and posted here with permission.] Sunday, June 15, 2014 Scranton (New Jersey) Tribulation and Coupon Saver, A-1 (REUTERS) Pamela Printzmetal, a member of the Republican Party, has cried foul over reports that the party may expel her. Printzmetal has been a long and vocal advocate for the addition of … Read more